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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

The impact of psychotic experiences in the early stages of mental health problems in young people

Authors: Kareen Heinze, Ashleigh Lin, Barnaby Nelson, Renate L. E. P. Reniers, Rachel Upthegrove, Latoya Clarke, Ayesha Roche, Angelique Lowrie, Stephen J. Wood

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Anxiety and depressive symptoms and psychotic experiences constitute common features of emerging mental disorders in young people. Psychotic experiences and the ultra-high risk (UHR) state for psychosis appear to have a particular importance for clinical presentation, progression of symptomatology, quality of life and functioning, but the impact of psychotic experiences in individuals seeking help at non-UHR services, compared to UHR services, is under-researched.

Methods

Sixty-nine young people (Mage ± SD at baseline = 20.8 ± 2.6, range 16–26 years, 48 females) presenting to mental health services were grouped according to UHR and non-UHR status. They were assessed at baseline for anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological distress, psychosocial functioning and quality of life. They were followed up at three, six, and 12 months. Data were analysed using mixed linear modelling.

Results

UHR individuals reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychological distress, and lower levels of role functioning and quality of life compared to non-UHR individuals. No differences were reported for anxiety symptoms or social functioning. Decline in psychosocial functioning was not associated with clinical deterioration or reduction of quality of life.

Conclusions

Psychotic experiences appear to be particularly associated with depressive symptoms and psychological distress, impaired role functioning and quality of life in help-seeking young people in the medium-term. It is therefore important to pay special attention to psychotic experiences in the early stages of mental health problems even if psychotic symptoms are not the main motivation for help-seeking.
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Metadata
Title
The impact of psychotic experiences in the early stages of mental health problems in young people
Authors
Kareen Heinze
Ashleigh Lin
Barnaby Nelson
Renate L. E. P. Reniers
Rachel Upthegrove
Latoya Clarke
Ayesha Roche
Angelique Lowrie
Stephen J. Wood
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1767-y

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